The Yankees didn't sign Raul Ibanez to be their left-handed DH last year until February, and the veteran ended up being their most clutch hitter late in the season and playoffs.

They can only hope yesterday's agreement with Travis Hafner will be as successful.

According to sources, the Yankees and Hafner agreed to a one-year deal worth approximately $2 million, with the 35-year-old replacing Ibanez in the lineup against righties now that Ibanez is back in Seattle.

A target of the Yankees last offseason, Hafner ended up staying in Cleveland because a deal couldn't be worked out for A.J. Burnett. After another injury-marred season, Hafner became a free agent when the Indians didn't pick up his $13 million option and gave him a $2.75 million buyout.

Hafner can still be productive when healthy, posting an OPS of .798 against right-handers last year — not much of a dropoff from Ibanez (.812).

But Hafner won't be able to provide the versatility Ibanez did a year ago by filling in defensively, since he is strictly a DH.

Hafner also hasn't been able to avoid injuries in recent years. Last season, he had only 263 plate appearances because of a bulging disc in his back and a right knee injury, both of which sent him to the disabled list.

Prior to 2012, he was bothered by an oblique strain and a right foot injury and had battled right shoulder problems.

But the Yankees aren't asking him to play every day or at first base, where he hasn't appeared in five years.

Hafner will likely be part of a DH platoon — once the Yankees figure out who the right-handed half will be.

Matt Diaz and Russ Canzler were signed to minor league contracts and will likely compete for a spot after the Yankees were unable to land anyone on a major league deal.